Multiple orifice glass feed system

ABSTRACT

A multiple orifice glass feed system for use with a glass forehearth including a plurality of closely spaced plungers, each of which is individually supported independently of the other. Each plunger includes a servo controlled linear actuator and an arm extending between each plunger and its respective servo-motor. Each servo-motor has an axis parallel to the axis of the plungers. An air spring is associated with each plunger for balancing the weight of each plunger and its respective arm. The center lines of the plungers lie generally in a plane. The arms have the major portions thereof generally parallel and closely spaced. A feedback system is provided to monitor the position of each individual needle independently of the other at all times and make corrections to the actual position of the needle if desired.

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.08/228,916 filed Apr. 18, 1994, now abandoned, which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 08/022,242 filed Feb. 25, 1993, now abandoned.

This invention relates to multiple orifice feed systems for producingglass gobs.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the manufacture of glass articles, it is common to provide a glassforehearth and multiple orifices which are controlled by reciprocableneedles or plungers in order to provide the necessary uniform weight ofgobs. Plural needles and orifices are utilized in order to maximizeglass production.

Typical systems are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,529,948, 1,792,932,1,926,764, 3,711,266, 4,478,631, 4,554,000, 4,581,054 and 4,793,849.

In such systems it is common to manually adjust each plunger.Furthermore in such systems, the operating mechanisms are often inoverlying relationship to the plungers and therefore are subject toextreme heat conditions and contaminants of oil or metal that canjeopardize the purity of the molten glass.

Accordingly among the objectives of the present invention are to providea multiple orifice glass system wherein each plunger is individuallymounted in association with its respective servo-motor; wherein eachservo control can be automatically controlled to produce an accurateweight gob during operation; wherein the actuating servo mechanisms aremounted on the side of the forehearth and cannot contaminate the glassand are protected from the heat of the glass; wherein the individualweight of the plunger and support arms is counterbalanced by an airspring; and wherein a single plunger can be consulted, operated andcontrolled individually.

In accordance with the invention a multiple orifice glass feed systemfor use with a glass forehearth including a plurality of closely spacedplungers, each of which is individually supported independently of theother. Each plunger includes a servo controlled linear actuator motorand an arm extending between each plunger and its respectiveservo-motor. Each servo-motor has an axis parallel to the associatedaxis of the plunger. An air spring is associated with each plunger forbalancing the weight of each plunger and its respective arm. The centerlines of the plungers lie generally in a plane. Unlike the priorcommercial practices which confine the arms to a straight line betweenthe orifice and the motor or actuator, at least some of the arms of thepresent invention take circuitous routes incorporating parallel andangular portions. A feedback system is provided to monitor the positionof each individual needle independently of the others at all times andmake corrections to the actual position of the needle if desired.

In one form the center lines of the major portions of the arms areparallel to the plane of the plungers. In another form the center linesof the major portions of the arms are perpendicular to the plane of theplungers. Although the system is especially applicable to a plurality ofplungers and is shown as applied to four plungers, it is applicable to alesser number of plungers or a single plunger.

In another form, each servo-motor is part of a module and moves amovable frame for vertical movement on spaced vertical shafts. Eachmovable frame supports a plunger arm. The modules are mounted in side byside relationship with one another.

Each assembly of an arm and servo controlled linear actuator motor ispreferably provided in an elongated rectangular module such that aplurality of modules can be provided in closely spaced relationship atone side of a forehearth.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a part sectional elevational view of a multiple plunger glasssystem embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the system.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongthe line 3--3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4--4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a modified form of glass plungersystem.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a further form of glass plungersystem.

FIG. 7 is an electronic schematic of the control system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the range of motion of a plurality of plungers.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified form of the invention, parts beingbroken away.

FIG. 10 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of one of the modules shownin FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the module shown in FIG. 10, partsbeing broken away.

FIG. 11A is a fragmentary part sectional side elevational view ofportion of the module shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12--12 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line 13--13 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongthe line 14--14 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14A is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale takenalong the line 14A--14A in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14B is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 14B--14Bin FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the assemblyshown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of a plunger and arm.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the plunger and arm shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16 showing a cabinet surrounding themodule.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 19--19 inFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of another modified form of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a still further form of the invention.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of another form of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with the invention, the glassplunger system 10 embodying the invention is associated with a bowl 11of a forehearth and is intended to support a plurality of plungers orneedles 12 that function in connection with orifices 13 to control theflow of glass out of the orifices so that when associated shears, notshown, are used the size and weight of the gobs is consistent.

In accordance with the invention, each plunger 12 is supported by ahorizontal arm 15 that is connected to the plunger 16 of a servo-motorcontrolled mechanism 17. Each arm further includes an air spring 18associated with its respective arm 15 for balancing the weight of eachplunger and its respective arm. The center lines of the plungers liegenerally in a first plane. The arms 15 have the major portions thereofgenerally parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the plungers (FIG.3). A feedback system is provided to monitor the position of eachindividual needle independently of the other at all times and makecorrections to the actual position of the needle if desired.

The arms 15 are constructed and arranged in close proximity so that aminimum of space is utilized and so that the operating mechanisms are inlateral but close proximity to the bowl of the glass. As shown in FIG.2, one arm 15 is straight and the other three arms are L-shaped, one arm15 being on one side of straight arm 15 and the other two arms 15 beingon the other side of straight arm 15. In the form shown in FIG. 5, allthe L-shaped arms are on one side of the straight arm. In both forms,the configuration and size of the L-shaped arms are such that the armsare substantially equidistance from one another throughout theirlengths.

In the form shown in FIG. 2, the arms have their free ends extending ata right angle with the plungers attached thereto with the center linesof the plungers 12 lie in a plane. In the form shown in FIG. 5, the endsof the arms are curved to provide the center lines of the plungers 12 ina single plane. In the form shown in FIG. 6, the arms are entirelystraight and the center of the plungers are in a plane that is parallelto the plane containing the servo-motors axes.

Referring to FIG. 3, the servo-motor assembly comprises a welded drivehousing 30 and includes a top bearing collar 31 an intermediate bearingcollar 32 and lower bearing collar 33. A servo drive shaft 34 isrotatably mounted in the collar 33 by a duplex bearing 35 held inposition by retaining nut 36. A welded drive post assembly 40 is mountedwithin the housing 30 and supports a planetary roller nut 41. The driveshaft supports a lead screw 42 that is associated with the servo nut 41.A coupling 43 connects the shaft 34 to the shaft of the servo actuator45. Coupling 43 is preferably of the keyless bushing type which providea positive lock between servo actuator shaft 45 and drive shaft 34. Thekeyless bushing allows us the use of the smallest practical shaftdiameter 34. The reduced shaft inertia reduces the motor load allowingus to use the latest art of the industry motors 17. Such a coupling ismanufactured and sold by Fenner Mannheim, 311 West Stiegel Street,Mannheim, Pa. under the trademark Trantorque.

Each air cylinder 18 that performs the function of an air spring isprovided in close relationship to its respective servo-motor assemblyand includes a cylinder housing 50 that has a base ring 51, a cylinderhousing 52, a jam nut 53 and an upper cylinder weldment 54. An airspring column 55 extends between the shaft of an air spring and arespective arm.

The multiple orifice plunger control system is made up of one to fourseparate mechanical systems, depending on the number of plungers to movethe needles, depending on the number of needles that are present (1-4).Since each needle is a mechanically independent system, a separatemotion control system must be provided for each system. Referring toFIG. 7, this unit consists of the motion controller, amplifier/driver,servo actuator (which in this case, is an AC servo-motor), and afeedback device (resolver) inside the motor housing. At this level eachcontrol system is completely independent.

The feedback device is mounted on the back of the servo-motor and servesa dual purpose. It provides position information to the motioncontroller which is used to determine both the motor rotor position andthe position of the plunger.

The rotor position is needed for communication of the motor since it isan AC servo-motor. The position of the plungers, is derived from theresolver, and is a relative offset from a fixed reference.

The fixed reference is the end of travel of the lead screw in theextended position.

The amplifier/driver is simply a power amplifier. It converts the torquecommand inputs from the associated motion controller to the appropriatevoltage and power level for the AC servo-motor connected to it.

The motion controller has in its memory a motion profile, generated bythe supervisor, that dictates where the particular needle mechanismshould be in relationship to the master clock and reset signals. Theactual position of the mechanics is determined from the feedback device(resolver). The motion controller uses both the actual position, thecommanded (profile) position and the rotor position to generate thetorque commands that go to the amplifier. The absolute torque command iscalculated as a function of the actual and commanded positions. Thetorque commands that are sent to the amplifier are in a commutated formfor phase A and B. The amplitude of the absolute torque command formotor phases A and B is adjusted based on the motor rotor position. Thetorque command for phase C is calculated in the amplifier, it is the sumof the torque command of A and B.

The supervisor calculates the motion profile for each of the motioncontrollers based on input from the user. The profile is aposition-to-position relationship between a master clock and the desiredposition of each needle. The same profile is normally used for eachneedle, but a unique profile for each needle is possible if thesituation demands it. The needles are normally synchronized to operateat the same time, reaching the extremes of their motion at the samepoint in time. The vertical distance is normally the same also. Becauseof glass flow differences between the orifices, the needle typicallyoperates at different elevations as shown in FIG. 8. This difference inheight is used to balance the weight of the gobs produced by theindividual orifices. The height adjustment is controlled by thesupervisor. If a change in the height relationship between the needlesis commanded, by either operator input or from an automatic gob weightcontrol system, the motion profile for the effected needle or needles isrecalculated by the supervisor. The profile is then written into thememory of the motion controller. The supervisor is then responsible forsynchronizing the change to the new profile so that all the effectedmotion controllers switch at the same time without a disruption ofproduction.

It can thus be seen that there has been provided a multiple orificeglass system wherein each plunger is individually mounted in associationwith its respective servo-motor; wherein each servo control can beautomatically controlled to produce an accurate weight gob duringoperation; wherein the actuating servo mechanisms are mounted on theside of the forehearth and cannot contaminate the glass and areprotected from the heat of the glass; wherein the individual weight ofthe plunger and support arms is counterbalanced by an air spring; andwherein a single plunger can be consulted, operated and controlledindividually.

In the modified forms of the invention shown in FIGS. 9-23, theservo-motors are part of compact modules 60 which are mounted in closelyspaced side by side relation adjacent the forehearth. Each module 60supports a horizontal plunger arm 62 and a plunger or needle P.

In the form shown in FIG. 9, the plane of the vertical center lines ofthe plungers is parallel to the axis of the forehearth F.

Referring to FIGS. 10-17, each module 60 consists of a fixed frame 64(FIG. 11) that includes a rectangular bottom plate 66, a rectangular topplate 68 and spaced vertical uprights 70, 71 connected to the plates 66,68 by bolts. A first shaft 72 extends between the plates 66, 68 and hasits ends extending into recesses 74, 76. A second shaft 78 comprises acylindrical bearing portion 78a and an integral elongated portion 79along the cylindrical portion 78a which is bolted to the uprights 71.Shaft 78 extends upwardly from bottom plate 66.

A movable frame 82 is supported for vertical movement on the shafts 72,78 and consists of a spaced vertical frame members 84 (FIGS. 13, 15),each of which includes upwardly extending frame extensions 86 anddownwardly extending frame extensions 87 at one end adjacent the plungerarm 62. Frame extension 86, 87 support vertically spaced bearings 110(FIG. 12) for shaft 72. Transverse bars 89 at the other end of frame 82extend between the frame members 84 and support a bearing 90 for shaft78. A servo-motor 92 is preferably formed with vertical fins 94 (FIG.11) on its housing to maximize cooling of the motor during operationwhere the mechanism is exposed to the high heat of the forehearth. Theservo-motor 92 (FIG. 11) includes an output shaft 96 that extendsthrough a brake 98 through upper plate 68 between the uprights 70 to acoupling 100 (FIG. 12) that is connected to a vertical lead screw 102.The upper end of the lead screw 102 is rotatably supported by a bearing101 that, in turn, is supported by a bearing housing 103 fixed betweenuprights 70, 71. The lower end of the vertical lead screw 102, extendsthrough a planetary helical roller nut 104. The nut 104 is mounted onplates 106, 108 between side plates frame members 84 (FIG. 13) such thatwhen the lead screw 102 is rotated the nut 104 is translated vertically(FIG. 15) and moves the frame 82 (FIGS. 13, 15) consisting of member 84,86, 87 and plunger arm 62 vertically.

Shaft 72 extends through the bearings 110 and thus assists in verticallyguiding the movable frame 82 and also counteracts the weight of theplunger arm 62 and plunger P. A bearing 90 is mounted at the other endof the movable frame 82 assists in the guiding of the vertical movementof the frame 82 as well as counterbalancing the forces due to weight ofthe plunger P and plunger arm 62. An adjustable stop 116 is provided onthe lower plate 66 and functions as a stop for the nut 104 in the eventthe movable frame 82 is moved downwardly to a position which mightdamage the forehearth F.

As shown in FIG. 11, a manifold 118 with associated hoses as providedfor supplying lubricant to the bearings 90, 101, 110 and ball roller nut104, through line 120.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 13-15 a coupling 118 which is rectangular incross section is mounted between the frame members 84 and telescopicallyreceives a plunger arm 62. As shown in FIGS. 14, 14A, the plunger arm 62is pivoted to the coupling 118 by a bolt 121 such that the plunger arm62 can be tilted upwardly out of the way for service on the forehearthF. An adjustable stop 122 is provided on a plate 66 for adjustinghorizontal position of the plunger arm to ensure proper verticalmovement of the plunger P. The plunger P is preferably coupled to theplunger arm 62 by quick release lock 126.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 18, 19, a shield housing or cabinet 150 ispreferably provided around the modules 60 to protect the modules 60 fromthe heat of the forehearth in a manner in which the arms 62 extendsoutwardly from the cabinet. The cabinet 150 includes a frame 151 onwhich side walls 152, 154, end walls 156, 158 and top and bottom walls160, 162 are removable. The end wall 156 has vertically elongatedopenings 164 through which the arms 62 extend.

A heat shield 166 is provided forwardly on each module 60 and moves withthe module 60 as the movable frame 82 and associated arm 62 is moved upand down and is spring loaded by springs 168 on a fixed plate 170 forsealing engagement with the opening of wall 156 in order to protect themodules 60 from the high heat of the glass and the forehearth.

In operation the servo-motor 92 is actuated to move its respectedplunger P. Each module 60 is independent of the other as in the previousform of the invention and is controlled individually as in the previousform of the invention.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 9, the vertical axes of the plungerslie in a plane parallel to the axis of the forehearth F. The plungerarms 62a, 62b and 62c each have straight and parallel end portions. Thecenter module 60 has the entire arm 62b straight while the arms 62a and62c have the major central portions at a small angle to the arm 62b suchas to bring the plungers thereon into the vertical plane previouslydescribed.

In another arrangement as shown in FIG. 20 the plane of the plungers,that is the plane containing the vertical axes of the plungers, isperpendicular of the axis of the forehearth F. In order to achieve suchan arrangement, the center plunger arm 62e is straight and the outerarms 62d and 62f have their central major portions at a small angle tothe straight arm 62e and have their end portions which are connected tothe plungers at an obtuse angle to the central portions in order tobring the plungers into the single plane.

The arrangement shown in FIG. 21 is similar to that shown in FIG. 20except that four plungers are shown in a single plane. In order toachieve this arrangement the additional plunger arm 62g of the fourthmodule 60 has an end portion that is straight and coupled to the fourthmodule 60. Plunger arm 62g has a central portion that is at a greaterangle than arms 62d and 62f to the straight end portion which isconnected to the fourth module. The other end of arm 62g angled topresent the fourth plunger into the desired position.

In the form shown in FIG. 22, two plungers are provided by respectivemodule 60. Each plunger arm 62h, 62i has straight end portions andangled major central portions such that the plane containing thevertical axes of the plungers is parallel to the axis of forehearth F.

In the form shown in FIG. 23, the plane defined by the axes of theplungers is at a right angle to the axis of the forehearth. In order toachieve this the plunger arms 62j, 62k have straight portions connectedto the module 60, major central portions inclined to the ends at the oneend and end portions connected to the plungers which are at a greaterangle to the central portions angled at the other end.

It can be seen that in each of the forms shown in FIGS. 9-23, themodules are rectangular as viewed in plan view and have a length severaltimes the width so that the modules are very compacted and occupyminimal space. As a result, they can be closely spaced on one side ofthe forehearth as shown in FIGS. 9, 20-23, thus leaving room for thetube turning mechanism, gas burners, and shear mechanisms, while at thesame time permitting ambient air to cool and thereby protect themechanisms of the modules.

It can be further seen that in all the forms of the invention, at leastsome of the arms are circuitous as viewed in plan view between theconnection to the respective plungers and the connection to respectiveservo controlled linear actuators. In other words, each circuitous armdoes not lie in a straight line between the connection to the plungerand the connection to the servo controlled actuators. As a result, theuse of circuitous arms and the compact configuration of the actuators asviewed in plan view enable the actuators and arms to be in closelyspaced relationship in a relatively small area such that the remainingarea of the forehearth will be available for the numerous mechanismsused for glass delivery.

We claim:
 1. In combination with a glass forehearth having a pluralityof spaced discharge orifices lying in a vertical plane, an apparatus forcontrolling flow of glass through said orifices,said apparatuscomprising:a plurality of spaced vertical plungers at a spacing fromeach other equal to spacing of said discharge orifices from each otherand lying in said vertical plane with said orifices, each said plungerhaving a vertical axis, said vertical axes of said plungers lying insaid vertical plane, a plurality of spaced arms spaced from each otherat substantially the same spacing as said plungers, each said arm havingone end and an other end, said one, end of each said arm being connectedto one of said plungers, a plurality of spaced independently operableservo controlled linear actuators mounted on one side of saidforehearth, each said arm being connected at its other end to one ofsaid servo controlled actuators such that said arms are horizontallyparallel with each other, a plurality of motion control systems eachcoupled to one of said servo controlled linear actuators, each saidmotion control system and servo controlled linear actuator coupledthereto being independently controllable with respect to the othermotion control systems and servo controlled linear actuators, and aplurality of springs, one of said springs being connected to each saidarm for balancing said arm against weight of the plunger connected tothe arm.
 2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein each said arm hasa length between said ends, each said arm having a portion intermediateits ends length, said intermediate portions of said plurality of armsbeing parallel to and equidistant from one another.
 3. The apparatus setforth in claim 1 wherein there are at least three of said arms, a firstof said arms being straight throughout its length, and second and thirdof said arms each having a major length portion and a minor lengthportion, the minor length portion of each arm being at a right angle tothe major length portion such that the major length portions of the armsare parallel.
 4. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein said firstarm has one side and another side, and wherein one of said second andthird arms is on one side of said first arm and the other of said secondand third arms is on the other side of said first arm.
 5. The apparatusset forth in claim 1 including at least three horizontal arms, a firstof said three arms being straight, and second and third of said threearms having major length portions parallel to said straight arm, saidsecond and third arms each having one end curved.